Products
Peginterferon alfa-2b was commercially available as an injectable (PegIntron). It had been approved in many countries since 2002.
Structure and properties
Peginterferon alfa-2b is a covalent conjugate composed of the recombinant protein interferon alfa-2b and a monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (PEG). It has a molecular weight of approximately 31 kDa. Peginterferon alfa-2b is obtained from a -strain by biotechnological methods.
Effects
Peginterferon alfa-2b (ATC L03AB10) has antiviral and antiproliferative properties. The effects are due to binding to interferon-alfa receptors on the cell surface, leading to gene transcription. Thanks to pegylation, the half-life of 40 hours is much longer than that of ordinary interferon alfa-2b (7 hours).
Indications
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (combination therapy).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is usually injected subcutaneously once a week.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headache, fever, muscle stiffness, muscle aches, fever, nausea, and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, emotional lability, and irritability.